Julian Kessler
Julian specializes in identifying early lithographic techniques and analyzing the oxidation patterns of industrial printing inks. He writes extensively on the visual forensics of mid-century advertising and paper fiber embrittlement.
Seeing the Stories Hidden in the Scratches
A fresh look at how bugs, light, and wear and tear tell us the real history of the objects we keep.
Saving Our Paper History: This Week's Top Picks
A look at how chemistry, light, and tiny details help us save the past from fading away. From invisible ink to the story behind rust, we explore the science of saving history.
Saving the Scraps: Our Weekly Archive Digest
This week we look at the science of survival, from the chemistry of old ink to the secrets hidden in tiny physical remains.
Finding Big Stories in Very Small Places
This week we explore how small details—from rocks to hidden landmarks—help us understand the past, much like the paper and ink we handle every day.
Saving History One Bug and Ink Spot at a Time
This week, we explore how bugs, chemistry, and old office tech help us become better detectives in the world of historical paper conservation.
The Data Hidden in the Margins
Metadata is more than just a list of dates. It is a deep explore the ads, paper types, and printing methods of the past. Learn how archivists turn old magazines into searchable treasure troves.
The Slow Fire: How Experts Save Old Magazines from Crumbling Away
Learn how archival experts use chemistry and specialized storage to stop historical magazines from literally eating themselves through a process called 'the slow fire.'
The Data Detectives: Finding History in the Margins
Go behind the scenes of archival metadata to see how experts track paper stock, printing tech, and old ads to map out history.
The Fight to Stop Your Old Magazines from Turning to Dust
Discover how archival experts use chemistry and cold storage to save historical magazines from acid decay, ink burns, and hungry beetles.
The Hidden Details Making History Searchable Again
Cataloging an old magazine involves more than just recording the title. Discover how metadata experts track everything from paper fibers to soap ads to map out our history.
The Rescue Mission for Brittle Paper
Old magazines are slowly turning to dust, but a dedicated group of experts is using chemistry and special storage to save our paper history.
Why Your Old Magazines Are Turning to Dust and How Pros Stop It
Old magazines are slowly burning up from the inside out due to acidic wood pulp. Learn how conservation experts use Mylar, buffers, and chemistry to save our printed history.
More Than Just Old News: Tracking the DNA of Early Magazines
Archiving an old magazine is about more than just the date on the cover. Experts are now cataloging paper textures, ink types, and forgotten staff members to build a giant map of our history.
The Race to Save Brittle History
Discover how conservationists are using advanced chemistry and careful cataloging to save fragile historical magazines from turning into dust.
The Secret Codes Inside Your Favorite Vintage Ads
Archivists are doing more than just saving paper; they are cataloging every ad, paper type, and printing technique to create a digital map of our history. This data helps researchers find secrets hidden in old magazines.
Stopping the Clock on Old Paper and Ink
Old magazines are slowly eating themselves because of acid in the paper. Experts are using special plastic sleeves and climate-controlled rooms to stop the decay before these historical treasures turn to dust.
Why Your Favorite Old Magazines are Turning to Dust and How to Save Them
Old magazines are a race against time. Learn why cheap wood pulp paper turns brittle and how professional techniques like Mylar encasement and climate control can save our history from the 'slow fire' of acid decay.
Why Your Great Grandfather's Favorite Magazine is Turning to Dust
Old magazines are more than just nostalgic—they are chemical time bombs. Learn how archivists use acid-free materials and science to keep history from crumbling away.
The Hidden Data Inside Your Favorite Old Magazines
Archivists are cataloging every ad and paper type in old magazines to make history searchable for everyone.
The Secret Language Found in Old Magazine Ads
Archivists are doing more than just reading old magazines; they are cataloging the 'DNA' of paper and ink. Learn how this detailed data helps us track history.